Air traffic controllers across the United States are expressing frustration and anger over a recently announced $10,000 retention bonus, calling the payment inadequate given the mounting pressures facing the profession and the critical staffing shortages plaguing the Federal Aviation Administration.
Controllers and union representatives have described the $10,000 figure as tone-deaf, particularly when compared to the high-stakes nature of their work and the severe consequences of staffing shortages. Air traffic controllers are responsible for safely managing thousands of flights daily, separating aircraft in crowded airspace, and making split-second decisions that directly impact passenger safety.
“It feels like a slap in the face,” said one controller who spoke on condition of anonymity. “We’re working six-day weeks, mandatory overtime, dealing with outdated equipment at some facilities, and they think $10,000 fixes that? Meanwhile, the stress is driving people out of the profession faster than we can train new ones.”
Does that not constitute a government debt then? I thought the shutdown was due to hitting a debt limit. If there was a relief mechanism to create more debt for special situations like this anyway, why not just pay the ATC’s immediately through that same mechanism?
This time it is not a debt limit issue, just that the government cannot work (with exceptions) if Congress (with POTUS signature) hasn’t explicitly authorized funds to be spent via an annual budget or, more likely nowadays, a continuing resolution.
Different issue, but same result of employees (and program recipients) being treated like pawns.